1-alkyl-4-bis(haloalkyl)amino-3,5-dinitrobenzene

ABSTRACT

Novel 1-alkyl-4-bis(halogenoalkylene)amino-3,5-dinitrobenzene and 1-alkyl-4-bis(hydroxyalkylene)amino-3,5-dinitrobenzene derivatives are disclosed as well as the use of the halogenated compounds as pre-emergent herbicides for the elimination of broadleaf weeds and grasses. The hydroxyalkylene compounds serve as useful intermediates in the preparation of the corresponding halogenated derivatives which are active pre-emergent herbicides.

United States Patent Kaiser I 51 Oct. 17, 1972 [54] l-ALKYL-4-BIS(HALOALKYL)AMINO- 3,442,639 5/1969 Soper ..260/577 X 3,5-DINITROBENZENE Primary Examiner-Charles B. Parker lnvemor' gonald Kaiser New Haven Assistant ExaminerCharles F. Warren Attorney-Morgan, Finnegan, Durham & Pine [73] Assignee: The Ansel Company, Marinette,

I Wis [57] ABSTRACT 22 Filed: No 7 1969 Novel 1-alkyl-4-bis(halogenoalkylene)amino-3,5- dinitrobenzene and l-alkyl-4-bis(hydroxyal- PP kylene)amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene derivatives are disclosed as well as the use of the halogenated compounds as pre-emergent herbicides for the elimination 2% "3 71/ 3 2? of broadleaf weeds and grasses. The hydroxyalkylene I? C compounds serve as useful intermediates in the [58] Field of Search ..260/577, 573 preparaticm f the corresponding halogenated derivatives which are active pre-emergent herbicides.

[56] References Cited 4 Claims, No Drawings UNITED STATES PATENTS iiii M v ...-s..- v- 7 3,257,190 6/1966 Soper.... ..260/577 X l-ALKYL-4-BIS(HALOALKYL)AMINO-3,5- DINITROBENZENE BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION This invention relates to novel. compounds which are agriculturally useful. More particularly, this invention is concerned with novel l-alkyl-4-bis(halogenoalkylene)amino-3,5- dinitrobenzene derivatives and to a method for eliminating undesired broadleaf weeds and grasses by applying the aforesaid novel derivatives to an area infested with such weeds and grasses. More importantly, the herein disclosed pre-emergent herbicides are selective in that they destroy the undesirable broadleaf weeds and grasses without affecting or injuring the plants or crops which are growing in the same area. For example, particular selectivity is found with cotton, soybeans and rice.

In agriculture, there is a continual and neverending search for selective herbicides. Selectivity is anessential characteristic since one does not want to injure or affect the plants or crops growing simultaneously in the same area where the undesirable broadleaf weeds and grasses are found. For instance, the cultivation of cotton is'a time-consuming and exacting process which is greatly hampered by weed growth. It would therefore be of great value to provide a pre-emergent herbicide which possesses this selective capability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION i 2 NO: i

wherein R is alkyl containing from one to four carbon atoms; n is an integer from 1 to 3; Y is selected from the group consisting of h, alkyl of 1 to 14 carbon atoms and cyclohexyl; and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and halogen (F, Cl, Br, 1).

Of special interest are compounds designated by the above formula wherein Z is halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), R is methyl, n is 1 and Y is H such as 4-Bis (2- fluoroethyl)amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene, chloroethyl)amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene, 4-Bis(2- Bromoethyl)amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene, and 4-Bis(2- Iodoethyl)amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene. Also included within the purview of this invention is the method of eliminating broad-leaf weeds and grasses from an area without injuring the plants or crops thereon by applying an effective amount of the herein described novel herbicides, i.e., wherein Z is halogen in the above formula.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The novel compounds of this invention can be prepared by adhering to the following scheme:

4-Bis(2- OIN N 2 Halogenating agent mines are either easily prepared by well-documented li l P PQBQHF sssm s a bl Reaction 1 must be carried out in the presence of an acid acceptor such as sodium carbonate in order to neutralise the BC] which forms as a by-product. In the absence of acid acceptor, the reaction cannot go to completion due to the unavailability of secondary amine reagent which becomes tied up with the acid byproduct.

In lieu of acid acceptor, and excess (at least 1 equivalent) of secondary amine may be used. In fact, it is preferred to use a three-fold equivalent excess of amine which serves as solvent in addition to being a reagent.

The reaction is generally carried out in the presence of an organic solvent such as absolute alcohol at elevated temperatures. In some instances, refluxing temperatures are desirable. When Na CO is used as acid acceptor, reaction is visible due to evolution of CO gas and can be used as a guide to determine completion of reaction.

It is also possible to carry out Reaction I without an organic solvent. As mentioned earlier, an excess of amine reagent can serve as solvent while simultaneously driving the reaction to completion. Alternatively, an aqueous system can be used, e.g., a mixture of chlorobenzene compound and water can be refluxed and, while stirring, a stoichiometric equivalent amount of secondary amine reagent is added. With continued refluxing, an equivalent amount of aqueous sodium hydroxide is addedgradually. The NaOl-l liberates the amine from its hydrochloride salt and permits reaction to proceed to completion. The product from Reaction l is generally recovered from the reaction mixture by partial removal of solvent and filtration. This material can either be used as such or may be recrystallized.

The second or final step concerns the conversion of a hydroxy group to a halogen group. Obviously, fluorination is effected by a fluorinating agent, chlorination by a chlorinating agent, bromination by a brominating agent and iodination by an iodinating agent. In this regard, the particular halogenating agent is not critical and any one of several which are commonly known to all researchers can be used for purposes of this invention.

A typical chlorinating agent is thionyl chloride although PC 1 will provide equivalent results.

Phosphorus tribromide (PBr and hydr'oiodic acid aretypical brominating and iodinating agents, respectively.

An example of a fluorinating agent is perchloryl fluoride. Illustrative of the fluoro compounds disclosed by the present invention include:

4-Bis(2-Fluoroethyl)amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis(3- Fluoropropyl)amino 3,S-dinitrotoluene fluoroethyl)-aminoe 3,S-dinitrobenzene l-n-propyl-4- bis(3-fluoropropyl)amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene l-n- Butyl-4-bis(4-fluorobutyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene It should be understood that the above mentioned halogenating agents are only illustrative and many others may of course be used in their stead.

Step ll is generally carried out in a suitable solvent under refluxing conditions. Of course, it is to be recognizedthat if the halogenating agent is a gas, it is bubbled into the solution at a sufficient rate to allow reaction to take place. Conventional work-up comprising evaporation, filtration and recrystallization is followed in the isolation of product.

The hyd'roxyalkylene compounds derived from Reaction I are not useful to any extent as pre-emergent herbicides.-However, they are novel and serve as'important and useful intermediates in the preparation of the corresponding halogenated derivatives which are active pre-emergent herbicides. They find utility, therefore, as useful intermediates in the preparation of valuable pre-emergent herbicides The novel l-alkyl-4bis(halogenoalkylene)amino-3,5-

dinitrobenzene derivatives may be used alone or in combination with a wetting agent when utilized for their herbicidal action. Suitable wetting agents include polyoxyalkylene thioethers and certain anionic surfactants such as alkyl aryl sulfonates.

The herbicidal'processes of this invention comprise applying a herbicidally effective amount of a compound disclosed herein to an area infested with seedling or germinating weed grasses, grass weed, or broadleaf weed seeds or broadleaf weeds either in the seedling or mature stage of growth. The compounds preferably are formulated for herbicidal use either as sprays made up by adding water to emulsifiable concentrates or powders, as granules or as dispersions on carriers'such as attapulgite clay granules, peat moss, fertilizer, vermiculite,.etc.

Since the compounds, as free bases, are quite insoluble in water, wetting agents are generally included in the preparation of the aforesaid emulsions or powders. The amount of wetting agent employed will vary from IAIA germinating and seedling grasses and broadleaf weeds 4 -Bis(3- Fluorobutyl)amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-bis(2- about 0.1 to. about 5 percent, preferably 0.25 tol.0 percent by weight of the total herbicidal solution or composition. 1

It is a considerable advantage of this invention that the l-alkyl-4-bis( halogenoalkylene )amino-3 ,5 dinitrobenzene derivatives as defined above do not affect the growth of crop plants in the pre-emergent stage of growth at concentrations which virtually eliminate from an area infested therewith. Among the plants and crops whichwill tolerate, effective concentrations ofthe herein disclosed compounds are cotton, soybean and rice.

The herbicidal compositions described herein will oridinarily be applied in a quantity at least about 1 lb. and preferably about 2 or between 2 and 10 lbs. of active herbicide per acre of cropland being treated.

The following examples are provided by way of illustration and should not be interpreted as-limiting the invention, many variations of which are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof:

EXAMPLE I 4-Bis( Z-Hydroxyethyl )-amino-3 ,5 -Dinitrotoluene To a stirred slurry containing 4-chloro-3,5- dinitrotoluene (649.5 g., 3.0 M), anhydrous sodium carbonate (185.5 g., 1.75 M) and absolute alcohol 1 liter) heated to reflux (81 C.), is added diethanolamine (376.5 g., 3.5 M) in 200 ml. of absolute alcohol over a one-half hour period. After completion of addition, the resulting mixture was heated for an ad-' EXAMPLE ll -nitrotoluene -diniv The procedure of Example I is repeated in preparing the following products wherein the indicated chlorobenzene reagents and amines are used, in stoichiometric equivalent amounts, in place of 4- chloro-3,S-dinitrotoluene and diethanolamine respectively with good results:

Product chlorobenzene reagent Amine 4-chloro-3,5 -dinidipropanolamine 4-Bis( 3-hydroxypropyl) trotoluene amino-3 ,5 -dinitrotoluene 4chloro-3,5-dinidibutanolamine 4-Bis(4-hydroxybutyl) trotoluene amino-3 ,5 -dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-chloro-3 diethanolamine l -Ethyl-4-bis( 2-hy- S-dinitrobenzene droxyethyl)amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene l-n-propyl-4-chlorodipropanolamine 3,5-dinitrobenzene l-n-Propyl-4-bis( 3- hydroxypropyl)amino-3 ,5-

dinitrobenzene l -n-butyl-4-chloro dibutanolamine l-n-Butyl-4-bis(4- 3,5 dinitrobenzene hydroxybutyl)amino-3,5-

dinitrobenzene 4-chloro-3,5-dinidiisopropanolamine 4-Bis( Z-m ethyl-2- trotoluene hydroxyethyl)amino- 3 ,S-nitrotoluene 4-chloro-3,5-dinidi-( 2-ethyl)- 4-Bis( Z-ethyl-Z-hydroxytrotoluene ethanolarnine ethyl)amino-3 ,5 -dinitrotoluene 4-chloro-3 ,5 -einidi-(2-n-propyl 4-Bis( 2-n-prop yl-2- trotoluen ethanolamine hydroxyethyl )amino-3 ,5-

. dinitrotoluene 4-chloro-3 ,S-dinidi-( 2-n-butyl) 4-Bis( 2-n-butyl-2- trotoluene ethanolamine hydroxyethyl)amino-3,5-

dinitrotoluene 4-chloro-3,5-dinidi-(Z-cyclohexyl) 4-Bis(2-cyclohexyltrotoluene ethanolamine Z-hydroxyethyl)amino-3,5-

dinitrotoluene EXAMPLE Ill 4-Bis(2-Chloroethyl)-amino-3,S-Dinitrotoluene To a mixture containing 4-bis(2-hydrox- EXAMPLE IV 4-Bis(2-Bromoethyl)amino3,S-Dinintrotoluene The procedure of Example III is repeated except an equivalent amountv of PBr is used in place of thionyl chloride and good yields of product are obtained.

EXAMPLE'V The procedure of Example [I1 is repeated in preparing the following products wherein the following 3,5- dinitrobenzene derivatives are used, in equivalent amounts, instead of 4-bis (2-hydroxyethyl)amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene with comparable results:

3,5-Dinitrobenzene Derivative Product 4-bis( 3-chloropropyl)amino- 3 ,5-dinitrotoluene 4-bis(4chlorobutyl)amino- 3 ,S-dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-bis(2-chloroethyl)- amino-3 ,S-dinitrobenzene l-n-propyl-4-bis( 3-chloropropyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene l-n-Butyl-4-bis(4-chlorobutyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene 4-Bis( 2-ethyl-2-chloroethyl) -amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-methyl-2-chloroethyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-n-propyl-2-chloro ethyl)-amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-n-butyl-2-chloroethyl)- ethyl )-amino-3 ,5- dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-cyclohexyl-2-chloroethyl)-amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene 4-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)amino- 3,5-dinitrotoluene' 4-bis(4-hydroxybutyl)amino- 3,5-dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene l-n-Propyl-4-bis(3-hydroxypro -pyl)-amino-3-dinitrobenzene l-n-Butyl-4-bis(4-hydroxybu- -yl )-amino-3,5-dinitrobenzene 4-Bis(Z-ethyl-Z-hydroxyethyl )amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis(2-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-3,5-dinitrotolune 4-Bis(2-n-propyl-2-hydroxycthyl)-amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis(2n-butyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-3.5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis(2-cyclohcxyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene EXAMPLE VI 3,5-Dinitrobenzene Derivatives Product 4-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)amino- 3 ,S-dimitrotoluene 4-bis(4-hydroxybutyl)amino- 3,5 -dimitrotoluene 4-bis( 3-bromopropyl)amino- 3 ,S-dinitrotoluene 4-bis(4-bromobutyl)amino- 3,5-dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-bis( Z-hydroxyethyyl )-amino-3 ,S-dinitrobenzene l-n-Propyl-4-bis( 3-hydroxypropyl)-amino--dlnltrobenzene l-n-Butyl-4-bis( 4-hydroxybutyl )-amino-3 ,S-dinitrobenzene 4-Bis( Z-ethyl-Z-hydroxyethyl) amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-n-propyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-arnino-3,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( Z-n-butyI-Z-hydroxyethyl )-amino3,5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethyl) amino-3,5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis(2 -methyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-bis( 2-bromoethyl)- amino-3,5-dinitrobenzene l-n-propyl-4-bis( 3-bromopropyl)-arnino-3 ,5 -dinitrobenzene l-n-Butyl-4-bromobutyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrobenzene 4-Bis( Z-ethyl-Z-bromoethyl amino-3 ,S dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-n-propyl-2-bromoethyl)-amino3,5-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-n-butyl-2-bromoethyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-cyclohexyl-2-bromoethyl)-amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-bromoethyl) -amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene EXAMPLE VII 4-Bis(2-Iodoethyl)amino-3,5Dinitrotoluene The procedure of Example H1 is repeated except an equivalent amount of hydroiodic acid is used in place of thionyl chloride and good yields of product are obtained.

- EXAMPLE VIII The procedure of Example VII is repeatedin prepar ing the following products wherein the following 3,5- dinitrobenzene derivatives are used, in equivalent amounts, instead of 4-bis (2-hydroxyethyl)amino-3,5

dinitrotoluene with comparable results:

3,5-Dinitrobenzene Derivatives Product ethyl)-amino-3,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( Z-cyclohexyl-Z-hydroxyethyl )amino-3 ,5- dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( Z-methyl- 2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-S ,5-dinitrotoluene 4-bis( 3-iodopropyl)a-mino- 3 ,S-dinitrotoluene 4-bis(4-iodobutyl)amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene l-Ethyl-4-bis(2-iodoethyl)- amino-3,5-dinitrobenzene l-n-propyl-4-bis( 3-iodopropyl)-amino-3,5dinitrobenzene l-n-Butyl-4-bis( 4-iodobutyl) -amino- 4-Bis( 2ethyl-2-iodoethyl)- amino-3,5 -dinitrotoluene '4-Bis( 2-n-propyl-2-iodoethyl)-amino-3 ,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( Z-n-butyl-Z-iodoethyl )-amino-3 ,5 -dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( 2-cyclohexyl-2-iodoethyl )-amino-3 ,S-dinitrotoluene 4-Bis( Z-m ethyl-Z-iodoeth yl)- amino-3 ,S-dinitrotoluene EXAMPLE IX One foot square flats 4 inches deep were filled with a sandy loam soil and seed of the following plant species were planted in rows: cotton (Gossypium hirsutum var. stoneville 7A), soybeans (Glycine Max var. 'l-lardee), Japanese Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli var. Fromentacea), German Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), lvyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea), and Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). The surface of soil covering the seed was then sprayed with aqueous dispersions of 4-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-amino-3,5 -dinitrotoluene at rates equivalent to 4, 2, l, and 0.5 lbs/acre. Immediately after spraying, the top one-half inch of soil was mixed thoroughly to insure that the chemical was mixed with the soil covering the seed.

The experiment was evaluated at 7 and 14 days after application. The results obtained indicate that the chemical is effective as an incorporated -pre-emergent herbicide against all weed and grass species tested. Cotton and soybeans were not injured whereas all other plant species were killed or severely stunted.

EXAMPLE X tail, and pigweed were killed at all rates used in the test.

Teaweed was severely stunted at rates of l lb./acre and greater. Morningglory was stunted at 2 and 4 lbs/acre. Cotton and peanuts are growing normally at all rates used in the test.

EXAMPLE XI A solution of 4-Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene was applied in a 75 per cent acetone solution at rates of L0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 pounds per acre. The compound was applied with a sprayer to the surface of the soil and then immediately mixed (incorporated) in the top 1.5 inches. The experimental area was then planted to soybeans (Glycine max L.), cotton (Gossypium nirsutum), annual morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea L.), Japanese millet (Echinochloa crusgalli vars. frumentacea), and Johnsongrass halepense L. Pers.). Observations made as late as seven weeks after the application showed that the grasses were better than95 per cent controlled at the 1.0 pound per acre rate. Less than 60 per cent controlled of morningglory was obtained at the 6.0 pound per acre rate. Cotton plants and soybean plants were not harmed by the chemical.

(Sorghum The results of this experirie nt indicate the effectiveness of the test compound as an incorporated preemergent herbicide for use in cotton and soybean farming.

EXAMPLE XII Two rates of 4-Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-3,5- dinitrotoluene were sprayed on the soil surface and mixed (incorporated) with the upper L0, 2.0, or 3.0 inches of soil. The chemical was applied in an aqueous dispersion at 1.0 and 2.0. pounds per acre. Cotton was planted subsequent to soil incorporation of the chemical. Visual ratings taken three weeks after treatment showed that pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexur L.), purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), seedling Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L. Pers.), Japanese millet (Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea), and German millet (Setaria italica) were greater than per cent controlled at both rates and at all depths of incorporation. Cotton injury was not visibly evident.

What is claimed is: 1 A compound of the formula:

wherein R is alkyl containing from one to four carbon atoms; n is an integer from 1 to 3; Y is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl of one to four carbon atoms and cyclohexyl; and Z is selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R is methyl, n is 1 Y is H.

3. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein Z isCl.

4. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein Z is Br.

Po-ww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,699,167 Dated OCI LOber l7, 1972 Inventofls) Donald W. Kaiser fi It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as ehown below:

At the top of page 1, change"Assignee: The Ansal Company to Assignee: "The Ansul Com any Signed and sealed this 27th day of November 1973.

(SEAL) Attestz EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. RENE D. TEGTMEYER Acting Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer Patent No. 3,699,167 Dated October 17. 1972 Inventofla) Donald W Kaiser It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 48, change "14" to -4-.

Column 3, line 26, change "aminoe" to --amin-o--.

Column 4, line 30, change "376.5" to 367.5--.

Column 4, line 43, change "79H, ZN" to --7,H, 5.26; 7N". Colman 4, l ine 45, after EXMIPLE II, delete nitrotolueneclini- Column 4 line 66, under Product column, change "3,5-nitrotoluene" to --3,5-dinitrotoluene--. Column 4, line '70, under Chlorobenzene reagent column, change "3,5-eini-" to -3,5-dini- Column 5, line 1, change "trotoluen to --trotoluene-. Column 5, line 25 change "Dinintrotoluene" to --Dinitrotoluene-.

Column 5, line 43, (first column) change "4-hy droxybu-" to 4-hydroxybut- Column 5, line Sl, (second column) delete "ethy1).

Column 5, line 67, (first column) change "3,S-dimitrotoluene to --3,5-dinitrotoluene--.

F my UNlTED STA'IES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CQRRECTEQN ,167 Dated October 17 i972 Patent No. 3 ,69

Inventor(s) Donald W. Kaiser It iscertifled that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

' (Continued) v Column 5, line 69, (first column) change 'dimitrotoluene" v to -dinitrotoluene Column 6, line 4, (first column) after the word "aminoinsert --3,'S--. v

I Column 6 line 5, (second column) change "4-bromobu to 4-bis (4-bromobu- Column 6, line 13, (second column) change "(Z-bromoethyl) to (2-methyl-2-bromoethyl)--.

Column 6, line 42, (firstJcolumn) delete "3,5-" Column 6 line C 43, (first column) delete "dinitrobenzene" Column 6 line 41, (second column), change ''amino to --amino-3,5 dinitrobenzene".

v Column 8, line 27 (in the formula) change "NO" to "'NO2 "o L' a J Signed and sealed this 6th day of March 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.PLETCH-ER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R is methyl, n is 1 Y is H.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein Z is Cl.
 4. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein Z is Br. 